MEDITATION’S IMPACT ON MEMORY AND􀆥EMOTIONS

MEDITATION’S IMPACT ON MEMORY AND EMOTIONS 

Researchers at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in the US found that meditation alters brain activity in the amygdala and hippocampus, key regions for emotion and memory. Published in PNAS, the study may explain meditation’s positive effects and its potential for improving mental health. 

Using deep-brain EEG recordings from epilepsy patients with implanted neurostimulation devices, researchers observed changes in beta and gamma brain waves during “loving-kindness” meditation. These waves are linked to mood disorders such as depression and anxiety, suggesting meditation may help regulate brain activity. 

Eight participants, all novice meditators, engaged in a five-minute baseline session followed by 10 minutes of guided meditation. They reported a deep meditative state. 

Unlike traditional scalp EEG studies, this method provided precise insights into meditation’s neural eff ects. “This study provides a foundation for future research on meditation-based interventions to support memory and emotional regulation,” says Dr Ignacio Saez, senior author. “Meditation is non-invasive, widely accessible and doesn’t require specialised equipment, making it a simple tool for improving mental wellbeing.”

 Source: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences